Environment

Our Green Policy

As owners, we are aware it is our duty to protect the local environment and to ensure that is is unspoilt for future generations to enjoy as much as we do.

We want to tell you about the beautiful local countryside. We have local ponds and woodland which promote the growth of insects, birds, animals and wild flowers. The photo on the right was taken in the garden of Dimpleknowe Cottage, and shows a Blue Tit & a Chaffinch enjoying their natural environment. This is only one of many breeds of birds which are regular visitors.

For a personal view of the countryside, click here to read a Precis of the Year written by the Laird of Dimpleknowe.

We encourage you to recycle whenever possible. The local council collect on a Friday, and a recycling bag is provided in both properties to enable the recycling of aluminium cans & cardboard/paper. There are bottle banks in both Lilliesleaf & Ashkirk for glass recycling.

Please be energy efficient - switch off lights when they are not required and only use the central heating when it is necessary. We are aware that chemicals can damage the environment - we therefore provide eco-friendly cleaning materials in both properties.

We encourage you to save water by showering instead of bathing.

Local Produce

Organic free range eggs purchased at Synton Parkhead Farm just up the road on the way to the main A7. What better than a fresh boiled egg for breakfast?

Selkirk Bannock is extremely good and a local speciiality and may be obtained at the small bakers shop in the middle of the High Street in Selkirk - Camerons Bakery. A present to take home.

Locally reared meat is available at Martin Baird Butcher, Market Street, Melrose - a very high class butcher.

Responsible Travel

If you travel to Edinburgh or Carlisle by train, there is a rail link bus which will bring you to Ashkirk.

There are companies in the Scottish Borders which hire cars - this may save you bringing your own. We can provide details if you require this service.

Buses will stop at the A7 road end. You can use these to reach Selkirk, Galashiels and Edinburgh to the north, and Hawick and Carlisle to the South. Bus timetables are available in both our properties.

If you choose to drive to Edinburgh, there are easy to find park-and-ride facilities available.

Many people choose to cycle to Dimpleknowe using the A7 tourist route. There are also plenty of cycling opportunities when you get here.